The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a federal program that provides technical and financial (cost-share) assistance to land users to address natural resource concerns. NRCS is asking for local input for the fiscal year 2010 program.

* Log Cabin, Aug. 11, 1900 - “Samuel Farrow January - Sunday morning, Aug. 5, friends of S.F. January gathered in the Methodist Church to pay to him their last respect. He was our oldest citizen. He was born 1809 in Maysville, Ky. and died in Cynthiana, Aug. 3, 1900. He came to this town in 1821 and for half a century was prominent among our people. He was a fearless leader of the democratic party and spared neither money nor energy to elect its nominees. He never bolted the party’s ticket nor inquired as to what church the nominees belonged.

I can’t believe it’s almost 2010; another year of gardening and another year for the All America Selections.

The AAS have an inherent good gardening stamp of approval. The designation signals superior performance in a plant that usually includes vegetables, annuals and bedding plants. More recently they have added a cool-season award to the list so gardeners can start planting now.

Right after I left the tent, I began marking the tree stumps with pink paint. I looked behind every bush and under every rock I saw. I was so scared when I moved a rock and a snake scurried away! I hoped Woody hadn’t encountered any snakes. I called Woody’s name over and over, but he didn’t respond. Continually marking the stumps, I tried to constantly be aware of my surroundings. I spotted a Dogwood tree and smiled. That was my brother’s favorite tree! Maybe I would bring Woody back to see it after we found him. Finally, I heard something.

The Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy announces that American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds are available to Harrison County farmers on approved energy efficiency cost-share items.

Harrison County is one of 49 counties that will not have held or completed a sign-up period for the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) prior to Nov. 15, 2009. Therefore, farmers in Harrison County may apply directly to the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy (GOAP) for these energy stimulus incentives.

Where could my brother be? When he realized he’d lost his harmonica, he left the tent before we could stop him. Dad immediately went to find Woody. “Don’t worry, Chloe,” Dad reassured me. I’ll find your brother. You and Mom get warm clothes ready for Woody. I’m sure he’s one chilly dog now!” While Dad was gone, Mom and I gathered up towels and blankets so Woody could get dry and warm. Gathering up the towels, I saw Woody’s backpack. The pupcorn, electric blanket, and art supplies were still stuffed in the bag.

HIM – Healthy Informed Men, Nov. 5, 8-11 a.m., Harrison County Extension Office. All men are invited to participate. Healthy breakfast served with educational topics discussed. No registration. No cost.

Soil Test Price Increase – As of Jan. 1, 2010 all soil tests will cost $5.50 per sample. Get your soil tests in by the end of the year and beat the increased cost.

To get you ready for the holidays, Harrison County Extension Homemakers are preparing for their annual Holiday Foods Workshop. “In The Mood for Food” is this year’s theme for the dinner. Mark the date now on your calendar to attend this sit down, white table cloth dinner on Nov. 16. Dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. with 4-H’ers serving: two meats, two salads, three side dishes, bread, one drink and three deserts will be prepared by Extension Homemakers for you to taste. You can purchase tickets at the Harrison County Extension Office for $10 per person.